Starbucks celebrates World Water Day
Access to clean drinking water remains a pressing issue for people across the globe. That’s why Starbucks has partnered with Planet Water Foundation, a non-profit organization, to provide clean water access and hygiene education programs to communities around the world since 2011.
For World Water Day 2020, The Starbucks Foundation awarded a grant to Planet Water Foundation to provide access to clean, safe drinking water and handwashing stations for communities in Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. This grant was made possible through contributions from the sales of Ethos Water in Starbucks stores.
Recognizing the important role of schools at the center of rural communities, seven schools in each of the seven markets were selected as sites for an AquaTower – a community water filtration system. In addition to the installation of an AquaTower, Planet Water Foundation provides water health and hygiene educational materials and activities to the students, teachers and community members, which are tailored to the unique needs of each community.
Although the projects were initially delayed due to COVID-19, the need for access to clean water was more important than ever. With community service as an integral part of our culture, partners in each of the seven markets were given an opportunity to volunteer. Between World Water Day on March 22 and Global Handwashing Day on October 15, 2020, partners built the AquaTowers and led educational activities with students.
"I am very happy to take part in Starbucks activity for Global Handwashing Day. The improved health and hygiene behaviors have long-lasting effects on the children," said Danni, a Starbucks Indonesia partner.
With the completion of the seven AquaTowers in 2020, Planet Water Foundation, The Starbucks Foundation and partners were able to provide a safe water supply to schools, reaching more than 1,600 students and 12,600 people with over 4 million liters of clean water through January 2021.
On this Global Handwashing Day, an international moment dedicated to increasing awareness and education on the importance of personal hygiene to prevent diseases and save lives, Starbucks has partnered with Planet Water Foundation, a non-profit organization, to provide clean water access and hygiene programs to communities worldwide.
The Starbucks Foundation has more than a 25-year history of investing in communities across the U.S. and globally. In March 2022, The Starbucks Foundation announced a $30 million investment by 2030 in its Global Community Impact Grants portfolio designed to drive locally relevant impact in the communities where Starbucks operates around the world. In the third year […]
In response to Typhoon Yagi, a devastating storm that struck southern China and Southeast Asia, and its aftermath, The Starbucks Foundation has partnered with nonprofit organizations Planet Water Foundation and CARE to provide clean water access and other emergency response and recovery support to impacted communities.